Throughout this luxurious apartment Mr De Palatinat has created eye-catching spaces that perfectly complement the owner’s eclectic range of sculptural artwork. From room to room, and level to level, this striking home is drawn together through the innovative use of exposed metalwork, a grey colour palette and a staircase that winds through the centre of the property. From the entrance hall, to the balcony, this home is filled with interesting pieces of artwork and statement furniture, for which the staircase is the perfect backdrop.
Inspiration
The inspiration behind the DNA staircase emerged from, as the name the suggests, the very building blocks of life; a DNA molecule. The very nature of the DNA strand, with the twin helix, lends itself perfectly to the form of a helical staircase, in keeping with the client’s profession and passion, the pharmaceutical industry.
The original DNA strand came about when designing for a client who had little space for a staircase, but desired an alternative to the traditional centre column found on a spiral staircase. Whilst designing the compact central feature, using helical tubes, it was immediately obvious that a DNA strand was created.
“The circular shape of the entrance hall is both simplistic and intriguing and was calling out for a bold and interesting staircase to transport you through to the other levels in the apartment,” explains Mr De Palatinat. “Finding the right staircase was the most complex part of the project. The client wanted something unique and beautiful; something that would stand out in a home filled with bold, sculptural artwork and statement furniture, and nothing caught his eye until we discovered the DNA staircase by EeStairs.”
After coming across a render of British Staircase Designer, Geoff Packer’s staircase, the client was so enthusiastic about the DNA staircase, that the entire decor was designed around the staircase. The client was so fond of the staircase that he insisted that EeStairs’ designer’s signature was engraved on the metalwork in the same way that an artist signs a painting.
A piece of art
The central column of the staircase is constructed from stainless steel to complement the interior of the apartment and features glass treads, a glass balustrade and a matching stainless steel handrail, promoting the ultra-modern look of the apartment. Where the treads and balustrade finish on the upper floor, the central column continues to the full-height of the space like a singular strand of monochrome DNA, becoming an additional piece of art in its own right.
The staircase, measuring 1800mm in diameter and 3150mm in height, is situated prominently in the middle of the apartment, just behind the main door. It is the central part of the apartment and whenever you go you pass near or above the staircase.
The twin helical tubes, mimicking a DNA strand, perform two functions: the larger diameter tube supports the staircase, carrying the glass treads on stainless steel brackets, and the smaller diameter tube is rotated 180° from the structural tube and forms the handrail for the staircase. The two tubes are linked with even smaller tubes to form the classic DNA strand shape.
In the entrance hall, the staircase is joined by a large sculpture of a lollypop on one side, which provides an exciting dash of colour, and a painting on the other side.
Mr De Palatinat has reproduced the image that the customer wished to have in his apartment. Furthermore, he has added extra features to make the staircase even more beautiful and unique with extra clear glass, two finishings on the horizontal stainless steel tube of the DNA structure and a signature, like all pieces of art are signed. The client was really happy with the features and Mr De Palatinat’s approach.
Commenting on the project, Cornelis van Vlastuin, Creative Director for EeStairs, said:“It is always exciting for us to work with individuals who share our philosophy that stairs do not only have to be functional, but are also an extraordinary feature in their own right.”
Interior touches
The apartment has a sumptuous, warm quality as floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interior with natural light and sea views. The furnishing in the apartment has been as carefully selected as the artwork and sculpted, tan dining chairs provide a pleasing contrast to a dark wooden table, whilst enhancing the impact of the colours in the abstract painting on the wall.
Throughout the apartment hot red finishing touches bring character to the space and nowhere more so than a curving internal wall showcasing a ceramic mural of Marilyn Monroe on a bold red background. In the living room a phone box red sculpture of a sweet draws on the red used in the painting in the adjoining hallway.
Exceptional sea views can be enjoyed from balconies reached through the living area and from double doors in the master bedroom. The balconies are an oasis of calm, furnished with table and chairs that reflect the clean lines of the interior and a number of deep green plants.